Scotchbrite - How to use it - Help me please.

[averageguy]

Hi. I just received a used Steve Mullin camp knife (D2 flat grind) from Art Sigmon.
I love it. It's beautiful. But, the blade has an uneven and used looking patina that I do not appreciate. Even the beginning of a little rust in a couple of areas.
My first instinct was to take it to my local bead blaster and have the blade done. Poof - a brand new blade.
However, I just took a Scotchbrite pad and rubbed the spine a litle bit and I'm getting the impression that a properly applied Scotchbrite finish might be just the thing.
Is this possible?
If so, how is this properly done?
Any suggestions, tips, hints, experinces, thoughts, musings - would be greatly appreciated.
Help me please save this beauty.

 

[Mike Hull]

Most makers that do scotchbtite finishes, use either scotchbrite belts on their grinder, or scotchbrite wheels on the buffer.

You would use it like you were grinding, or buffing the blade. It takes very little time or effort to do this.

Incidentally, bead blasting usually increases the propensity for rusting.

Edited to add; You could probably use a handpad to touch up the existing finish.
Scotchbrite pads are available in three different grades of coursness, if you had the right one and rubbed in the direction of the existing scratch pattern, and only went in one direction, you would probably have no problems.
On the blade, it might require a stiff backing material. Piece of wood etc.

 

[J. Neilson]

I use a very fine (grey) scotchbrite belt on alot of knives. After using it I spray one side of the blade with a healthy shot of WD-40 and go over it lightly again. The same on the other side. This final touch seems to float the blade over the belt on the last few passes giving an even finer, more even finish. Just a trick I picked up.